VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION General Discussions vibrator/tumbler suggestions

Does anyone use a vibrator/tumbler for cleaning up rusted parts? What is the best material to use to clean rusted nuts, bolts and other small parts?

I have seen them on various TV shows and they look expensive and more commercial than I could afford. I did see a small sandblasting cabinet that would work great for that, but the real question is how much material are you willing to lose? On a nut and bolt, too much will make for a loose and dangerous fit. I typically use liquid wrench and wire brush to clean up mild rust on bolts and nuts. For a more paintable surface, I have used rust remover (phosphoric acid)and then a filler/primer to smooth out the pits.

I purchased one from Harbor Freight when they were on sale and used a 20% off coupon to boot. Once I took It apart and then retightened everything It worked great for the occasional use It gets. I am not a huge fan of HF, but for the prices It does allow you to purchase some tools that you couldn't justify the cost for the amount of usage, however, you need to be selective in what you buy. I belive I bought walnut shells and another more agressive media.
Richard

There are lower priced units. Same old story, you get what you pay for but for home use they look OK. Maybe nuts and bolts was a bad usage. I'm thinking more like small brackets, little items that are too hard to hold in the bead blast cabinet or too hard to wire wheel and too hard to replace. Besides you can throw the parts in, turn it on and walk away and work on something else.

How did the walnut shells work? what were you using then to do? Remove rust or polish?

I bought, at HF, Green Rust Cutting Abrasive Resin that worked well at taking the rust off bolts etc. without any rounding of the edges. I used walnut shells, also purchased at HF, to polish some small stainless emblems. Walnut shells are very mild and do a good job of polishing without marring.
Richard

Thank You. That's the kind of info I needed

You are welcome. If you do buy a HF unit remember to tighten everything or it will vibrate the media unit loose and make a mess. Want to guess how I know that?
Richard

Jim
If the unit is what I am thinking of I would think it would damage to the parts being "cleaned". I consider "media blasting" a more preferable method as there are several "soft" media available. Also fine sand is generally readily available and cheap, if baked dry does an excellent job.
Tony

Jim, when need nuts, bolts, washers and other small parts cleaned up, I merely take them to my local engine builder. He has a small basket that he uses for cleaning small parts. He dips them in with the engine cleaning solution. Works well for me. You might try that.
Best, Charlie